Youth Circus
For Youth
Youth Circus is our membership-based circus arts education programme for children and young people ages 5 to 24.
The 6th annual Mayhem Youth Circus Festival is back! Mayhem is Galway Community Circus's annual festival celebrating circus, bringing a week of circus workshops, performances, and family-friendly fun!
This year, we’re thrilled to welcome guest artists Carys and Graham of the internationally acclaimed acrobatic duo Hands Down Circus, along with master juggler Paul Quate. Catch them in action with free shows and interactive workshops as part of our two-day Circus in the Park event, taking place at Father Burke Park.
Other circus workshops on offer will include funambulism (wire walking with a balancing pole), mixed circus skills, and aerial cocoon.
Festival highlights also include a special performance by our Flea Circus classes, a Youth Cabaret presented through the Circus Explored Shared Island Youth Exchange, and a showcase performance by the talented Galway Young Artists Collective.
Get ready for a week of creativity, connection, and circus magic!
Many of the Mayhem Youth Circus Festival events are offered free of charge thanks to our funders Arts Council Ireland, Galway City Council, Galway County Council, Erasmus+, Leargas, Claddagh Credit Union, ISACS and Creative Ireland.
Circus in the Park - 24 & 25 May at Fr. Burke Park
We are so excited to offer two days of Circus in the Park this year! Circus in the Park will take place in and around our big top tent at Father Burke Park in Galway's Westend.
Saturday, 24th May - 10:30am-5pm
Saturday will feature acrobatics, funambulism, hat juggling and introductory mixed circus skills workshops, as well as a special performance by our Flea Circus classes. All workshops on this day except for the mixed skills will require pre-booking. Booking links coming soon!
Sunday, 25th May - 10:30am-5:30pm
Sunday, 25th May will feature several opportunities for free introductory mixed skills workshops and free 15-minute taster aerial cocoon workshops, plus €5 funambulism workshops, as well as multiple free performances by acrobatic duo Hands Down and juggler Paul Quate.
Please note: The free taster aerial cocoon workshops will run in 15-minute increments. Each workshop slot requires a 10-minute warm-up and allows for 15 minutes trying out the cocoon. Sign up for the aerial workshops will be done on-site.
Father Burke Park is located on Father Griffin Road opposite the fire station. No on-site parking is available, but city centre parking is located nearby.
Click here to read more about all events at Circus in the Park.
Please note: Photography and videography will be taken on-site at both days of Circus in the Park. If you wish for you and your child not to be photographed, please talk to a member of our team on the day.
Circus in the Park - Saturday, 24 May 10:30am-5pm
| Date/Time | Event | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30am-12pm | Hands Down Acro Workshop | Adults 18+ | €5 - booking required |
| 11am-1pm | Funambulism Workshop | 12-17 years | €5 - booking required |
| 1:30pm | Flea Circus Performance | All Ages Welcome | FREE |
| 2:30-3:15pm | Hat Juggling with Paul Quate | 8-11 years | €5 - booking required |
| 2:30-5pm | Mixed Skills Drop-In Workshop | All Ages | FREE |
| 3-5pm | Funambulism Workshop | Adults 18+` | €5 - booking required |
| 4-5pm | Hat Juggling with Paul Quate | 12-17 years | €5 - booking required |
Circus in the Park - Sunday, 25 May, 10:30am-5:30pm
| Time | Event | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30am-12pm | Funambulism Workshop | Adults 18+ | €5 - booking required |
| 11am-12pm, 12:30-1:30pm, 2:15-3:15pm, 3:45-4:45pm | Mixed Skills Drop-In Workshops | All Ages | FREE |
| 11am-12pm, 12:30-1:30pm, 2:15-3:15pm, 3:45-4:45pm | Aerial Workshops | All Ages | FREE - sign up on site |
| 12-12:30pm, 3:15-3:45pm | Tape That! Acrobatics Show | All Ages | FREE |
| 1-2:30pm | Funambulism Workshop | 12-17 years | €5 - booking required |
| 1:30-2:05pm, 4:45-5:20pm | Frankie Magilligan's Comedy Juggling Show | All Ages | FREE |
Youth Cabaret - Sunday, 25th May at 7pm
Step right up for a night of awe-inspiring talent and youthful creativity at the Mayhem Festival Youth Cabaret!
This special event will showcase dynamic performances from young artists of Galway Community Circus and In Your Space Circus (Derry), brought together through the Circus Explored Shared Island Youth Exchange. Expect an exciting mix of aerials, acrobatics, juggling, clowning and more as these emerging performers take to the stage with energy, passion and imagination.
The Youth Cabaret will take place in the Circus Hall at Galway Community Circus, St Joseph's Community Centre, Ashe Road, H91 A4VW. This event is free and all ages are welcome to attend!
Open Classes for Galway Community Circus Members - 26-30 May
As part of the Mayhem Youth Circus Festival, we're opening our doors to share the fun!
During this special week:
- Junior Circus Classes will welcome families into the circus ring to watch and take part in the action.
- Tweenies and Senior Members are invited to bring a friend along to experience the magic of circus for themselves.
Galway Young Artists Collective Performance - Saturday, 31 May, 6:30pm
As part of the Mayhem Youth Circus Festival, the Galway Young Artists Collective (GYAC) presents a brand-new performance, showcasing the creativity, talent and dedication of some of Galway’s most promising young performers.
Formerly known as the Youth Ensemble, this dynamic collective is made up of emerging artists aged 12–17 who are training at an advanced level in contemporary circus – a boundary-pushing art form that blends theatre, dance, acrobatics, and more.
Developed through intensive training, artistic exploration, and professional mentorship, this performance promises to be a vibrant display of emerging talent and contemporary creativity.
All ages are welcome to attend. This performance will take place in the Circus Hall at Galway Community Circus, St Joseph's Community Centre, Ashe Road, H91 A4VW. Booking required - click the button below to book tickets. Suggested donation: €5-€20. All proceeds benefit the Galway Young Artists Collective programme.
